Interested in metal roofing for your roof replacement? Are you wondering what metal options to consider?
Fortunately, you have plenty of metal options to choose from. However, some are more common for residential roof replacements.
But what are they? And what do you need to know about them?
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided information on all things roofing to give homeowners the power to make the right decisions. So, let's look at the best metal types for residential roofing, plus their pros and cons.
In this article, you’ll learn the 5 best metal types for residential roofing and the things to consider when making your decision.
The 5 best metal types for residential metal roofing
While there are a large variety of metal roofing options, there are certain types that stand out for residential purposes. They range from standard metals, such as aluminum, to premium metals, such as copper.
Let’s look at the 5 best metal types for residential metal roofing.
1. Steel metal roofing
Steel metal roofing is the most common type of metal used in residential roofing. Because of its popularity, steel is generally the type of metal that people think of when they hear “metal roofing”.
The main reason it’s the most commonly used metal comes down to affordability and availability compared to other metal materials. However, the Kynar 500 painted finish and its warranty are also a big draw.
Lifespan: 30-50 years
Pros of steel metal roofing:
- Cost-effective compared to other metals
- Readily available
- Strong and durable
- Kynar 500 painted finish
- Low maintenance
- Plenty of color options
Cons of steel metal roofing:
- Expensive compared to asphalt shingles
- Less resistant to corrosion than other metals
- Noisy when it rains
- Heavier than copper and aluminum
2. Aluminum metal roofing
Aluminum metal roofing is the lightest type of metal material on the market, but it’s also one of the softest. While this makes it more prone to hail damage than steel, it’s still durable.
Aluminum is extremely popular in coastal climates with heavy rainfall because of its corrosion resistance. Just know that it may not be readily available in areas not along the coast or in a coastal climate.
Lifespan: 30-50 years
Pros of aluminum metal roofing:
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- Good option for coastal climates
- Low maintenance
- Easy to form and work with
Cons of aluminum metal roofing:
- More expensive than steel
- Soft (makes it prone to denting)
- Have to invest in a thicker gauge to avoid denting
- Fewer color options
3. Copper metal roofing
Copper metal roofing is a premium metal material that’s incredibly popular for its high curb appeal. It's one of the world's most recognizable types of metal for its distinct color and the greenish patina it develops as it ages.
While the curb appeal is a big benefit, copper’s main selling point is that it’s a lifetime material. Copper is also frequently used for flashing, gutters, chimney caps, bay windows, cupolas, and more to accent other roofing materials.
Lifespan: 50+ years (Lifetime material)
Pros of copper metal roofing:
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Patina look as it ages (varies by homeowner)
- Resistant to corrosion
- High curb appeal
- Recyclable
- Great for accenting other roofing materials
Cons of copper metal roofing:
- Very expensive
- Soft (makes it prone to denting)
- May not be readily available in certain areas
- Patina look as it ages (varies by homeowner)
- Staining things around the roof from water run-off
4. Stainless steel metal roofing
When you hear stainless steel, your mind probably goes to kitchen appliances, cutlery, cookware, or other things in your home. However, stainless steel is also a great premium metal roofing material because of its strength.
On top of being durable and long-lasting, stainless steel roofing has great corrosion resistance because of its chromium quantities. Like copper, stainless steel is a lifetime roofing material.
Lifespan: 50+ years (Lifetime material)
Pros of stainless steel metal roofing:
- Durable and tougher than galvanized steel
- Long-lasting
- Low maintenance
- Great for accenting premium roofing materials
- High curb appeal
- Environmentally friendly
- Highly resistant to corrosion
Cons of stainless steel metal roofing:
- Very expensive
- Heavy than most other metals
- Expands and contracts more than galvanized steel
- Color options are limited
5. Zinc metal roofing
Zinc metal roofing is pretty similar to copper because it offers a high curb appeal and turns the patina color as it ages. But unlike copper, it has self-healing properties, and the patina is a protective layer that resists corrosion.
While zinc metal roofing is available in the United States, it’s more commonly used in European countries. Like copper and stainless steel, zinc metal roofing is a lifetime material.
Lifespan: 50+ years (Lifetime material)
Pros of zinc metal roofing:
- Long-lasting
- Self-healing abilities
- Forms a protective layer of patina
- Environmentally friendly
- Easy to form and work with
Cons of zinc metal roofing:
- Very expensive
- Soft compared to galvanized steel and stainless steel
- Chalky residue from water streaks
- May not be readily available
- Blue/gray patina look as it ages (varies by homeowner)
How do you choose the right metal for your residential metal roof?
Now you know 5 common metal types for residential roofing, plus their pros and cons. However, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding which one to go with.
Let’s look at four things to consider when choosing the right metal type for your residential roof replacement.
Your area’s climate
There’s nothing you can do about the weather and climate in your area. However, you need to consider how the climate in your area affects each metal type.
For example, Galvanized steel is suitable for most climates in the United States. However, it performs best in areas without excessive moisture or salt exposure, which makes it a great option for landlocked or temperate regions.
On the other hand, aluminum’s natural resistance to corrosion makes it a great choice for coastal and very humid climates. However, it’s also more prone to hail or other damage because it’s a softer metal.
A metal roof is a great option in every corner of the United States, but just consider how your area’s climate affects the metal you’re considering.
How long you want your metal roof to last
While a metal roof does increase home value, the main ROI is how long it lasts after installation. So, you always need to consider the lifespan of the metal type or any roofing material when making your decision.
However, the great thing about metal roofing is that it’s pretty much a lifetime material. Even steel and aluminum should last around 30 years and will likely last longer.
The big thing to consider is your living situation and how long you plan on staying in your home. If you don’t plan on being there for the next 20 to 30 years, metal roofing may not be the best investment, given how pricey it is.
The look of each metal type
A metal roof offers great curb appeal, no matter the metal type you choose. However, there are some key differences in their looks that are deal breakers for certain homeowners.
Steel and aluminum metal roofing comes with a painted finish, which gives you different color options. Premium metals like copper, stainless steel, and zinc all have very high curb appeal.
However, copper and zinc patina as they age, which gives them a bluish-green look as the years go by. As you just learned, metal roofing is a long-lasting roofing material.
You’ll be looking at your metal roof for a long time, so it’s important that you’ll be happy with the look 20 to 30 years after installation.
Your roof replacement budget
The most important thing to consider is your roof replacement budget. While metal roofing is growing in popularity, it’s still too expensive for most homeowners.
Compared to asphalt shingles, a steel roof is at least 3 times the cost. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better roofing material if you have the budget.
With that said, I never recommended breaking the bank or overextending yourself financially just to get a more premium roofing material.
What’s the best type of metal roof system for residential roofing?
After reading this article, you should have an idea of which metal type is right for your residential roof replacement. Just remember to consider the things mentioned above to ensure you make the right decision.
However, choosing the right metal type is just part of the equation. You also have to choose the right type of metal roof system.
There’s actually a big difference between the two types, and one is a better option for residential roofing. But which type of metal roof system is best for a residential replacement?
Check out What’s the Best Type of Metal Roof for Residential Roofing to learn which metal roof system is right for your home.
